Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag reportedly has no desire to see Cristiano Ronaldo play for the club again after believing the Portuguese went too far in his criticism of both United and Ten Hag himself.
Ronaldo, 37, is determined to leave Old Trafford and has aired his grievances in a tell-all interview with Piers Morgan to be screened in full this week, in which he accuses both the club and his manager of lacking respect for him.
United, who rolled out the red carpet to welcome Ronaldo back to the club after 12 years away last summer, have been left furious by the actions of their most senior first-team player, who has already been disciplined by Ten Hag twice this season.
First the Dutchman warned Ronaldo about his future conduct after he left an Old Trafford friendly against Spanish side Rayo Vallecano in July, his first appearance of pre-season, when he was substituted at half-time.
Ronaldo was then fined two weeks' wages - believed to be over £500,000 a week - when he refused to come on as a substitute in last month's 2-0 win over Tottenham.
Ten Hag criticised his conduct then and, as reported by ESPN, is believed to have seen the interview as the final straw after delaying his holiday to hold high-level talks with United co-chairman Joel Glazer, the club's chief executive Richard Arnold and the football director John Murtough.
Ronaldo was particularly scathing of Ten Hag in his interview with Morgan, stating: "I don't have respect for him because he doesn't show respect for me.
"If you don't have respect for me, I'm never gonna have respect for you."
He went on to criticise others at the club, adding: "Yes, not only the coach, but another two or three guys around the club. I felt betrayed.
"People should listen to the truth. Yes, I felt betrayed and I felt like some people don't want me here, not only this year but last year too."
United are said to be privately furious with the interview, and on Monday issued a short, pointed statement which pointed to the unity that Ten Hag has sought to achieve at the club since his summer appointment.
"The club will consider its response after the full facts have been established," said the club.
"Our focus remains on preparing for the second half of the season and continuing the momentum, belief and togetherness being built among the players, manager, staff and fans."
The club's players are also said to be taken aback by the timing of the interview, which came in the immediate aftermath of teenager Alejandro Garnacho's late winner at Fulham before the break for the World Cup.
United midfielder Bruno Fernandes was seen in an awkward exchange with Ronaldo when he reported for Portugal duty on Monday, when he appeared to snub a handshake offered by his teammate for club and country.
